New Jersey Spent Millions on the World Cup — But Didn’t Get Discount Tickets
New York City is giving soccer fans a rare shot at affordable World Cup tickets — and New Jersey residents aren’t thrilled about it. While NYC secured 1,000 tickets priced at just $50 each, New Jersey’s request for a similar deal was turned down despite the state pouring more than $307 million into hosting the tournament.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that the discounted tickets will be handed out through a city lottery, complete with free round-trip bus rides to MetLife Stadium, where several World Cup matches — including the championship final — will take place. The package includes access to five group-stage games and two knockout matches.
? Why fans are buzzing:
- Tickets for many World Cup games have skyrocketed into the thousands
- NYC winners can buy up to two tickets for just $50 each
- Free transportation is included
- Tickets are non-transferable to prevent resale abuse
Speaking in Harlem’s Little Senegal neighborhood, Mamdani said the goal was to keep working-class fans from being priced out of the world’s biggest soccer event.
Meanwhile, frustration is growing across New Jersey. Regular resale prices for matches at MetLife are already reaching eye-watering levels, with some premium seats climbing into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Governor Mikie Sherrill reportedly pushed for a similar ticket arrangement but was denied. State officials argued that New Jersey taxpayers are heavily funding tournament-related upgrades, infrastructure, and transit support while receiving little direct ticket relief in return.
New Jersey leaders say they’re now exploring their own discounted ticket program backed by private sponsors rather than FIFA or the host committee.
Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry praised NYC’s efforts, saying the city pushed hard to make the tournament more accessible for everyday fans.
Not everyone is impressed, though. Representatives Frank Pallone and Nellie Pou criticized the move, calling it more of a publicity play than a true solution to rising ticket costs. They argued that 1,000 tickets spread across seven games barely scratches the surface of demand.
?? Here’s how the NYC lottery works:
- Entries are capped at 50,000 per day
- Winners are announced June 3
- Selected fans have 48 hours to purchase tickets
- Buyers must pick up tickets in person on game day
For many soccer fans, though, even a slim chance at a $50 World Cup seat feels like hitting the jackpot.
